Michigan State secured its place in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16, defeating Louisville by a score of 77-69 in the second round. This marks the 17th appearance in this stage of the tournament for the Spartans under coach Tom Izzo. The victory came on Saturday in Buffalo, New York.
Coen Carr's standout performance included his first career double-double, notching 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jeremy Fears Jr. distributed the ball with 16 assists, a significant contribution to the team's offensive flow.
Fears also contributed 12 points, though his shooting efficiency was noted as 3-of-13 from the field. His primary impact, however, was through his passing. Fears set a Michigan State record for assists in a single March Madness game, surpassing a previous mark held by Johnson. He had recorded 11 assists in the Spartans' first-round win against North Dakota State.
Read More: Mariah Keopple Uses Hockey Game Days for Fashion Shows in Seattle
Other notable scoring contributions came from Trey Fort, who provided 12 points off the bench, and Jaxon Kohler, who added 10 points and secured six rebounds. Kohler's season total now stands at 860 career points.
Michigan State established a significant lead in the first half, embarking on a 17-5 run that culminated in a 10-point advantage after a three-pointer from Cooper.
Coach Izzo's overall NCAA Tournament record now stands at 61-26. His program has consistently reached the latter stages of the tournament, with this latest advancement reinforcing its presence in that echelon.
